The following staff roles and responsibilities for pain management in companion animal practice create a general context for the implementation of a more specific pain management protocol (see the "Model Pain Management Protocol").

Reception and other client-service personnel

• Be able to recognize patient indicators of pain at presentation to the hospital.
• Schedule follow-up appointment.
• Refer questions to medical staff as appropriate.
• Remind clients that they are part of a team-based approach to pain management, which requires their understanding, compliance, and feedback.